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thedrifter
05-28-03, 07:24 AM
Marines salute 22 fallen comrades in Iraq war
By DENNIS O'BRIEN, The Virginian-Pilot
© May 27, 2003
ABOARD THE BATAAN -- It was a sound the Marines had not heard in weeks, not since their time back in Iraq: gunfire.
Three volleys of seven shots rang out in the amphibious assault ship's hangar bay Monday -- 21 shots to honor 22 fallen brothers-in-arms who gave their lives for Iraqi freedom.

The crowd's eyes blinked involuntarily with the first shots as the Marines tried to get used to the sounds of rifle cracks again. The strains of taps echoed in the sweltering hangar, yet chills shivered up and down the spines of those standing at attention.

During the memorial service, a wreath was released from an aircraft elevator into the sapphire sea below.

``The day will come when no American will be alive who will have personal knowledge of those who fought and died in Operation Iraqi Freedom,'' said Col. Ronald Bailey, commanding officer of the 2nd Marines, from whose ranks the 22 honored dead fell. ``However, the day will never come when America forgets them and what they gave in this war for the future of humanity.''

Like ceremonies held by Americans elsewhere, the Bataan's Memorial Day service remembered all of the nation's war dead. Regimental chaplain Lt. Brian Waite mentioned by name every man and woman in the armed forces who died in the most recent war.

The tribute included special remembrances for the 22 from Camp Lejeune who 4 1/2 months ago boarded the Bataan and ships like it to head overseas for their date with fate. The fallen Marines were honored by those who served with them, knew them and commanded them in war.

With the ceremony, the Marines who gave their lives at Nasiriyah, Iraq, were remembered alongside the hallowed rolls of Marines who fell in legendary battles that gave the Corps its fearsome reputation as warriors, including the Battle of Belleau Wood, where the Germans called the Marines ``Devil Dogs.''

``This mystic warfighting ethos we enjoy today, and proud tradition, is why 18 Marines pushed through a city, secured two bridges in the face of withering fire in the area known today as Ambush Alley,'' Bailey said. ``Never once did they waver in their efforts to accomplish their mission.''

``As we make our way back home,'' said Bataan Capt. Earle S. Yerger, ``let us not forget our fallen comrades, but remember them always, for they have earned our respect and admiration with their blood.''

Staff writer Dennis O'Brien is with the Marines and sailors


Sempers,

Roger